Parents are perhaps the most under-appreciated people. So, I'm taking a minute to say thank you.

For being my support system

Tryouts, test scores, college applications... You guys always had faith in me and were not afraid to tell me so. You cheered me on in my successes and cheered me up after failures. You showed up to see every one of my games, inductions, awards. You never doubted me, even when I doubted myself. You'll never know how much your unwavering support means to me. If I have nothing else, I know I can still always count on you.

For letting me be myself

When I see photos of my younger self, I cringe at my frizzy hair and crazy clothes. But I needed to go through those stages to be able to grow and figure out who I am, so thank you for giving me that freedom and suffering through it with me. Thank you for always making me feel like I never need to be anyone other than myself, for making me feel at home in my own skin.

For putting my needs first

You have sacrificed so many of the things you wanted for the things I wanted. You always put me first, even if it meant you had to sacrifice your own needs. I didn't realize it when I was younger, but I definitely do now. You are some of the most selfless people I know, and you never asked for any recognition for it. You did it out of love, and I want you to know that I respect and love you all the more for it.

For being my best friends

I've had different friends through the years, with a rare few who stuck around and are still close with me today. But you two have always been there, to talk about boys and hurt feelings and whatever else I felt was "then end of the world." Time is love, as they say, and you never clocked out from this full-time position, being both a parent and a best friend as needed. Thank you for being there for me and making sure I never felt alone.

For loving me

I know I'm hard to deal with sometimes. I'm moody in the mornings, I get stressed out with school work and snap at you without reason. I'm grumpy when I'm hungry. But no matter how much of a brat I may be, you smile and hug me anyways. You always make sure I know I'm loved, wether it's by saying it outright or showing me through the little things you do. Thank you for teaching me that I deserve to be treated well and am worthy of unwavering love, even on my worst days. I love you, too.

Thank you for always being there, for loving me unconditionally, and never demanding any recognition for it. I want you to know I appreciate everything you do, and I love you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.